Summary:
- Over half of adults in the US (55%) participated in some form of gambling in the past year.
- Engagement levels in the gaming industry have risen to almost 9 in 10 adults.
- 122 million American adults visited a casino in the past year.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) regularly hosts studies to see the impact of gaming in the United States. The AGA is focused on land-based casinos and online gaming, including sports betting participation.
The group has created several studies in the past that provide insight into how Americans are receptive to casino gaming. The group’s latest study recently revealed that more American adults than ever are interested in gaming-related entertainment.
More Adults Gaming Than Ever Before
The research by the AGA shows that an increase in acceptance of gambling and actual participation in activities has increased. More than half of adults in the US have participated in some gambling in the past year, equaling 55% of the population.
Around 28% gambled at a physical casino in the last year, and 21% visited a venue to place a sports bet. Engagement in gambling is at an all-time high, with almost nine in ten Americans okay with gambling themselves or others participating.
This year, 59% of Americans surveyed found gambling to be personally acceptable, which is a new record for the US. It seems adults are more open to gambling and are thinking less conservatively than in the past regarding the entertainment activity.
High-Value Entertainment
When reviewing other entertainment options in the US, consumers see gaming as a high-value and innovative activity. Ninety percent of visitors to casinos feel that the operators offer innovative entertainment, while 89 percent feel that the venues offer good value for the money spent.
Younger adults are attracted to casinos, with the average age range for players falling from 49.6 in 2019 to 41.9 in 2024. This younger demographic is helping to bring a new age of players to the venues. This has been an issue in the past, especially dealing with the 21-35 demographic. Players in this age range feel that traditional gaming is not interesting as there is no interactive element.
This has led casinos to add more immersive content to ensure that younger players want to visit and participate in gaming and other activities.
The study also revealed that 76% of Americans feel that the gaming industry has a positive impact on the nation’s economy. This new perspective may help with the push for more legislation, as there are still states without land-based casinos and iGaming services such as slots in the country.
The change in thinking is quite big, considering only 54% of Americans felt that gaming was helpful to the economy in 2019.
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